Governments in several hard-hit Asian countries continue to implement strict social distancing measures amid economic reopening and potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
Greater Seoul to Limit Food Business Operations
The South Korean government on Friday announced that starting this weekend, operations of franchise coffee chains, bakeries and restaurants will be restricted in the greater Seoul area.
As with karaoke bars and night clubs, these businesses will only be allowed to operate until 9 p.m. Delivery and takeouts will be allowed from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. as a way of keeping operations running.
The only exception will be franchise coffee chains, which can only do takeout orders. Customers will also be required to wear masks and provide data should they drop by coffee chains to order a takeout.
The new measures, which are expected to end on September 6, came as local officials strive to contain a resurgence of new coronavirus cases in the capital.
As of Friday, South Korea has recorded a total of 19,077 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 316 deaths.
Church to Sue South Korean President amid COVID-19 Issue
The Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, which became a hotbed of new coronavirus cases in the capital, said it will take legal action against President Moon Jae-in following the alleged failure to contain the virus.
The church accused Moon of allegedly exposing Sarang Jeil members to COVID-19 since the government was unable to control the virus' spread across the country.
On Thursday, Moon said during a conference with Protestant leaders that a "specific church is rejecting and obstructing the government's coronavirus-related guidelines."
As of Thursday, confirmed coronavirus cases linked to the Sarang Jeil Church had reached 980 infections.
Japan to Secure Vaccine by H1 2021
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday announced that the country will attempt to secure coronavirus vaccines for all residents before the first half of 2021 as part of the efforts to control COVID-19.
Aside from trying to obtain vaccines for all Japanese, Abe also said the government will expand its testing capacity. Healthcare providers and nursing home employees will be placed under mass testing.
His announcement came on the same day he announced that he will step down as the Prime Minister due to an illness, ulcerative colitis, that also caused him to resign as premier in 2007.
As of Thursday, Japan has logged a total of 64,668 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,226 deaths.
India Hits Record-High Cases in One Day
On Friday, India logged a record-high increase of 77,266 new confirmed coronavirus cases, driving the national infection toll to nearly 3.4 million.
The news came following a simultaneous drive by the Indian government to increase COVID-19 testing in the country while also easing anti-coronavirus restrictions amid an apparent slump in the economy.
The country remains the third hardest-hit in the world, only behind Brazil and the United States.
